New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill Faces Further Delays

The progress of New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill has been postponed once again, as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated the government aims to ensure the “complicated” legislation is correctly framed. Originally set for a health committee report by July 31, the deadline has now been extended multiple times, with the latest date pushed to October 10.

During the bill’s first reading, the coalition partner New Zealand First expressed support but raised concerns regarding the delineation of gene technology applications. The party now plans to thoroughly examine the select committee report before deciding on its future backing. If passed, this legislation would lift a 30-year ban on gene technology outside laboratory settings, establishing a dedicated regulator within the Environmental Protection Authority.

The National Party has argued that New Zealand is lagging behind other countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in adopting gene technology. The proposed regulatory framework is designed to recognize comparable international regulators, aiming to modernize New Zealand’s approach to genetic technologies.

Former science minister Judith Collins introduced the bill in December 2022, emphasizing that it would not lead to unrestricted use of genetic technologies. She stated, “This change simply means that gene technologies have a pathway to regulatory assessment that is designed to ensure the public and environmental safety of New Zealand.” Collins further clarified that the bill does not mandate the use of gene technologies but provides a structure for those wishing to leverage them.

During a recent parliamentary debate, Mark Patterson, a member of New Zealand First, reiterated the importance of carefully considering the implications of the bill. He cautioned against jeopardizing the country’s competitive advantage in the organic sector and food exports. “We must understand the trade-offs we are making. This is very much a risk-reward,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Shane Jones, representing the science minister in Parliament, described the bill as a “work in progress.” In response to inquiries about the delays, Peters emphasized that the concerns raised by New Zealand First were legitimate and needed to be addressed adequately.

The coalition faces additional challenges, as opposition from the Labour Party, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori complicates the legislative process. According to Labour’s science spokesperson Reuben Davidson, the coalition appears to be struggling to find common ground on the bill’s fundamental aspects. “There isn’t a pathway within the coalition to support the bill,” he remarked, suggesting that behind-the-scenes disagreements are hindering progress.

Despite the setbacks, Prime Minister Luxon remains optimistic about the bill’s future. He stated that the government is committed to passing the legislation, asserting that New Zealand must adapt to contemporary advancements. “It’s just complicated work, and it’s important we get it right so we don’t make any mistakes,” he said.

Davidson expressed skepticism about the Prime Minister’s confidence, indicating that the bill has faced significant delays and questioning whether it would ultimately succeed in its current form. As the government navigates these complexities, the future of the Gene Technology Bill remains uncertain, shaping New Zealand’s approach to genetic advancements.